Quick opening and closing door for retorts and the like



LIKE

C. P. ASTROM Aug.Y 16, 1932.

QUICK OPENING AND CLOSING DOOR FOR-RETORTS AND THE Filed June 29, A1928 5 Sheets-Sheet l fi illlll..

A TTORNE Y.

C. P. ASTROM QUICK OPENING AND CLOSING DOOR FOR RETORTS AND TH LIKE Filed June 29,1928 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR ATTORNEY.`

A .NM

Aug.16,1932. C. P, ASTRM' 1,871,834

QUICK OPENING AND CLOSING DOOR FOR RETORTS AND THE LIKE v Filed June 29, 1928 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 [Ni/ENTOR.

CARL P. ASTROM l ATTORNEY.

Patented Aug. 21,6, "1932 UNITED STATI-:s PATENT OFFICE CARL P. AiSTROII, OIF EAST OBAN GE, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNORTO M. H. TREADWELL COM- "4 PANY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.,A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK QUICK OPENING AND CLOSING DOOR FOR RETORTS .AND THE LIKE Appuauon med :rune 29. 192s. serial Nq. 289,313.

This invention relates-toa quick opening and closing cover for retorts, kettles and similar vessels subjected within .either to vacuum. or pressure.

The object of the invention is to provide a simple and eilicient mechanismwhereby a vessel may be quickly and easily opened and closed and whereby,lwhen closed, the joint slidably connected `to the latches and is ex-- gagement of the parts.

can be quickly made tight,and the cover held rmly against inside or outside pressure, leakage, etc.

The invention comprises a plurality of latches mounted ont-he cover or on the vessel and connected to be simultaneously operated to release or engage. As shown, a band is panded or contracted by a power mechanism to actuate the latches. To insure simultaneous release of all the latches, the opening movement of each latch is limited so that the entire expanding force of the band is di` rected on latches which tend to stick or not move to their limit.

When the cover is closed the joint is sealed by a packing-ring mounted to be expanded as by toggles, and held tightly against the joint.

The mechanism for operating the latches and sealing the joint is located on the outside and permits quick enga ement and disenlthough either the vessel or the cover may carrythe latch and packing actuating mechanism, these are more conveniently mounted on the cover.

A preferred form of the invention is shown in the drawings of which, f

Fig. 1 is an end elevation of the vessel with the cover closed;

Fig. 2A is a partial end elevation showing the latch operating mechanism in its opened position; A

Fig. 3 is a similar view showing the packing operating mechanism in its closed position, and showing a preferred form of actuating mechanism. f

Fig. L is a side elevation ofthe end of the vessel with the cover swung open;

Fig. 5 is a section taken-on the line 5,-5 of'Fig.--=1 showing, in enlarged detail, a latch and the packing ring in closed position;

Fig. 6 is a similar view showing a latch and the packing ring in open position;

Fig. 7'is a perspective view of one of the segments supportlngthe packing ring;

Fig. 8 is a horizontal section through the toggle taken on the line 8 8 of Fig. 4;

. Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the vessel with a portion in section showing the connection between the toggle and its operating mechamsm;

Fig. l0 is a'partial elevation showing the latches pivotally connected to the cover and engaging the vessel;

Fig. l1 is a. similarl view showing the` use of a different shape of latch member;

In the `form of the invention shown a vessel 20 is provided with an end cover 21 on hinges. The vessel and cover are provided with anges 22 and 23 which substantially abut each other when the cover is in closed position. The cover carries bracket arms 24 and. 25 pivotally connected to a shaft 26, mounted on This construction permits the cover to 4be swung open around an axis at one side of the vessel. The weight of the cover in swinging open is borne by wheel 28, on bracket 29, fastened to the lower edge. of the cover.

In the form of the invention shown in Figs. 1 to 9, inclusive, the vessel is provided around its periphery, adjacent the flange 22, with a plurality of yoke plates, such as 30. To each yoke plate 30 a latch 31 is pivoted on a stem 32 (see Fig. 5). Each latch is provided with a suitable shaped rear heel portion 33 to prevent its being -moved upwardly around its pivot more than a definite amount, as shown in Fig. 6. The front of the latch 3l is in the form of a hookv 34 which, when the latch is in its operative position, will lie in front of and engage the front face of the Hange 23 on the cover. The engaging `faces of the flange v23 andthe hook 34 are curved or beveled, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, s o that the latch will hold the cover more securely in closed position.

Each latch has a holev 35, loosely carrying an `operating band 36, encircling the vessel in line with the joint between the cover and the vessel. The free ends of the band have lugs bracket arms 27 and 28 fastened to the vessel.

. f 37 and 38 thereon, provided with pivoted threaded blocksI l39 and 40 to receive an oppositely threaded shaft 41, operable by a hand wheel 42. By operating the shaft41 in one direction, the band 36 will be contracted into the position shown in Fig. 1, and consequently will move the latches to the iange engaging positions, as shown in Fig. 5. Opposite movement of the shaft 41 will expand the band 36, and lift the latches 31 to disengage them from the cover flange. Substantially opposite the shaft 41 and mounted on the vessel is a slotted plate 43 in which lies an enlarged portion 44 of the band 36. The slot in the plate 43 permits'the band to move radially at this point, but prevents longitudinal movement thereof. The latches 31 are not designed to engage the cover flange too tightly so that the latching mechanism can be operated freely, but they do engage suhciently accurately to prevent appreciable movement of the cover after it is closed andlatched.

In Fig. 10 is shown a construction in which u the latches 44 are pivotally mounted on plates 45 on the cover and their hook portions 46 engage the flange on the vessel. rThis is a construction opposite to that shown in Fig. 9 and can be used if desired.- In Fig. 11 the latches are mounted on the vessel andengage the iange on the cover, but are of different shape than those shown in the previous figures. In this form the latches have a greater. depth and the {ianges on the cover and the vessel are provided with elongated slots such f as 47 and 48 (see Fig. 11) in which the body portions of thelatches lie when the latches are in their yoperative position. The front or hook portion of this form of the latches is elongated laterally, as shown at 49, to provide a greater length of contact between the latch and the cover flange.

In order to make the circular joint *between l'the cover and the vessel tight, especially where the vessel is subjected within to pressure, or'vacuum, or to be made tight against the leakage of gas or liquid, the joint is sealed on the inside by an expansible packing ring 50 of rubber or other preferably elastic material. Metal such as lead or material not atv tacked 'by the contents of the vesselcanalso be used. This packing ring can be expanded against the inner surfaces of the joint when. closed. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the inner faces of the cover and vessel flanges are beveled, as indicated by the numerals 51 and 52, to form when placed together a trough into which the packing can be snugly forced. The packing ring 50 is supported by segmental trough shaped plates 53. Those plates 53 lying near the operating toggle are shorter than those lying farther away from the toggle. With equal spacing between plates, this permits greater freedom of movement near the toggle where it is needed. The packing ring and its supporting 4nected by gears 80,

v tervals around and 77 ends of which are connected to plates 55 and 56, as shown at the bottom of Fig.4 and in Fig. 8. These plates are provided with vertical anges 57 and 58. To the flange 57, one end of a short link 59 is pivotally connected. To the flange 58, one end of a bell-crank lever 60 is pivotally connected. The other end of link 59 is pivotally connected to the lever 60, as shown in Fig. 4. To the outer end of bellcrank lever-1 60 is pivotally connected a short link 61, the other end of which is pivotally connected to a link 62 mounted on shaft 63. This shaft is journaled in a bearing 64,

the cover around an opening 66 therein (see Figs. 1 to 9). Leakage around this shaft is prevented by a stuiiing gland 67. The outer end of this shaft supports a segmental gear 68, engaging a worm 69 mounted on shaft 70, journaled in bracket plates 71 and 72 on plate 65, and bracket plate 7 3 mounted on the cover, as shown in Fig. 1. The outer end of shaft 70 is provided with a handle 74 whereby it may be turned. Turning this handle will result in the operation of the togglemechanism formed by the connection between lever 60, heel 59 and the plates 55 and 56 connected to the free ends of the band 54 on which the packing ring 50 rests. By moving the shaft in one direction, the packing ring 50 is expanded into the groove formed between the cover and vessel to seal it tight. By operating the shaft in the opposite direction, the packing ring iscontracted away from the joint.

In Fig. 3 is shown the preferred form of toggle mechanism for expanding the packing. The plate carries a second shaft 79 parallel to shaft 63, which shafts are con- 81, carrying arms 82, 83, which are connected by curved links 84, 85 to the flanges 58, 5 7, respectively. By turning gear 68 in the appropriate direction, operation is effected as before.

As shown, particularly 1n Figs. 4, 5 and 6,

the inner face of the cover is provided with a plurality of U-shaped plates 75, spaced at inthe cover and supporting the band 54. On the band 54 at a point substantially opposite the toggle mechanism, which operates it, are placed L-shaped flanges 76 (see Fig. 4) which lie on opposite sides of and slidably engage the ad]acent bracket plate 75. This connection will permit the band 54 at this point to move radially of the cover, but will prevent longitudinal movement. 1

In operation, the cover is closed,'where upon the hand wheel 42 is operated to move the latch members forwardly so that their hook portions enga-ge the fiange on the cover. The handle 74 is then operated to expand the band 54 and force the packing ring into the groove or trough `formed between the cover and the vessel tov seal the joint.' This mechanism can be operated quickly either to engage or disengage the parts and forms a simple and effective means whereby the cover can withstand internal ypressure and whereby the joint between the cover and the vessel can be effectively sealed.

By replacing or modifying the cover,and`

simple alterations to the vessel, this invention can be cheaply applied to existing installations.

I claim:

1. The combination with a vessel anda cover, of a plurality of movable latches on one part to engage the other, a band engagin said latches, and means for expanding an contracting said band to move the latches simultaneously to and from engagement. i

2. The combination with a vessel and cover, both having flanges abutting when the cover is closed, of va plurality of movable'latches adapted to engage one of said flangeswhen moved to latching position,` a band engaging said latches, and means for expanding and contractinggsaid band to move said latches simultaneously to and from engage`ment.'

3. The combination with a vessel and cover, both having ianges abutting when the cover is closed, of a pluralityof movable latches 'adapted to engage one of said flanges when moved to latching position, a band engaging said latches, means for expanding and con-l tracting said band to move said latches simultaneously to and from engagement, and means limiting the disengaging movement of each latch. ,j

4. The combination with a vessel and cover, both having flan es abutting when the cover is closed, of a plurality ofmovable latches adapted to engage one of said flanges when moved to latching position, a bandengaging said latches, means for expanding and con tracting said band to move said latches simultaneously to and from engagement, and means connected to the band to prevent longitudinal movement thereof.

5.' The combination with a vessel and an end cover therefor, both having `iianges abutting when the cover is closed, of a plurality .of

movable latches on one adaptedto engage the flange on the other when moved. to latching position, a band slidabl engagingsaid latches, and means connecte to the free ends of the band to expand and contract it to simultaneously move said latches to engage them with and disengage them from the iange. e

6. The combination with a vessel and an end cover therefor, both having anges abutting when the cover is closed, of a plurality of movable latches on'oneadapted to engage the flange on -the other when moved to latching position, latches, means connectedto the free ends of the joint.

a band slidably engaging saidl the band to expand and contract it to simultaneously move said latches vto engage them with and' disengage them from the flange, and means limiting the disengaging movement of each latch.

of movable .latches on one adapted to engage the flange on the other when moved to latchving posltion, a band slidably engaging said" latches, operating means connected to the free ends lof the band to expand' and contract it to simultaneously move said latches to engage them with and disengage them'from the Bange, and means connected to the band to vprevent longitudinal movement thereof.

. 8. The combination with a' vessel and an end cover therefor, both having flanges abutting when the cover is closed, of a plurahty of movable latches on one adapted to engage the ange on the other when moved to latching position, a band slidably engaging sald latches, means connected-to the free ends of the band to expand and contract it to simultaneouslyv movey said latches to'engage them with and disengage them lfrom the ange, means on each latch to limit its djsengaglng movement, and means connected to the band to prevent substantial longitudinal movement thereof.

i 9. The combination with a. vessel and an end cover "therefor, both having anges ahntting when the cover is closed, of a plurahty of movable latches on oiae adapted to engage the ange on the other when moved to latchthe cover and vessel, means for operating said latchessimultaneously, a packing -ring movmeans for 11. The combination with avessel and ing position, a band slidably engaging said f I ics Iim ably mounted inside adjacent the joint be-A tween the vessel and the cover, and external pressing the packing ringagalnst cover having abutting edges and. fastening means, of a movably mounted packmgring, and external means operable to press the packing ring against the joint between the abutting edges of the cover and the vessel.

. 12. The combination with a vessel having porting said packingl ring, and means to expandand contract the band; e v' 13. The combination with vessel having close the joint betweenthe Acoveif'and the Y a cover, arid v fasteningmeans, of val packing i, ring movably mounted to close the joint between the cover and the vessel, aband sup- .125

vessel, a band supporting said packing ring, and gearing to expand and contract the band from outside the vessel, said ring being slid'- ably mounted on said band.

14. The combination with a' vessel having a cover, and fastening means, of a packing ring movably mounted, within the vessel to close the joint between the cover and the vessel, a band supporting said packing ring, means to expand and contract the band Jfromoutside the vessel, and a plurality of spaced segmental platesiconnected to and 'supporting said ring and slidably mounted on said'band.

15. The combination with a vessel having a cover, of a packing ring movably mounted within the vessel to close the joint between the cover and the vessel, a band supporting l a cover,

, the cover 1n said packing ring, means to expand and contractthe band from outside the vessel, a plurality of spaced segmental plates connected to and supporting said ring and slidably mounted on said band, said segmental plates being of varying lengt 16. A flanged cover for a'ilanged vessel, comprising circumferentially spaced pivoted latches, an actuating band threaded through said latches, and means on the cover for expanding and contracting the band.

17. A flanged cover for a ianged vessel, comprising circumferentially spaced pivoted latches, an actuating band threadedthrough said latches, means onvthe cover Jor expanding and contracting the band, and a packing and packing expanding means mounted on the cover.

18. The combination with a vessel having of a packing ring mounted .within line with the joint between the cover and the vessel whenL thevcoveris closed,

separate segmental plates' supporting said ring, an operable band slidably supporting said segmental plates, a plurality oit spaced bracket plates on the cover to support said band, means outside the cover to expand and contract said band, and means dis osed opposite the band expanding means o prevent circumferential movement of the-band, but permitting radial movement thereof.

19. The combination with a vessel having a cover, of a packing ring movably mounted within the vessel to close the joint between the cover and the vessel, a band supporting said packing ring, 4a toggle connected to the free ends of said band, and means outside the vessel to operate said toggle.

20. The combination with a vessel and a cover, each having flanges abutting when the cover is closed, a' pivoted latch on the vessel, one end hooked to engage the cover flange, a heel stop on the other end to limit its movement 1n a disengaging direction.

x 5` day of June A. D. 1928.

Signed at New York city, in the county of New York, and State of New York, this 28th CARL P. ASTROM. 

